Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 30-06 Do it all rifle - but mostly elk

Help me decide!
I'm settled on a 30-06, but from there I keep getting stuck. In order of priority, I'll use this rifle for 1) hunting elk, 2) punching paper between 100-600 yards, 3) hunting deer and antelope. I put in a lot of miles and elevation when I hunt, but am happy to tote around a 7-7.5 lb rifle (not including scope), lighter is nice but not too concerned.

Browning x-bolt speed: seems pretty sweet, would be a done deal if the barrel were 24"
Remington 700 AWR: would fit the bill if I could try before I buy. I'm concerned about their QC.
Tikkas: They just don't really "speak" to me, but everyone seems to love them. 1:11 twist rate and 22" barrel are worrisome
Bergara B14 Hunter: Can't really find a fault here, am I missing something? Reviews all seem typically favorable
Sako A7: see Tikkas, nice they have a 24" barrel.
Winchester 70: prefer composite stock.

Okay, jump in - what are your thoughts on these rifles, plus any others I'm not including but would be in the $700-$1200 range.

I have a Winchester 70 extreme weather in 30-06, I put a meopta meopta 3-9x40 on it. It’s been an awesome all arounder for me, I did end up putting a tinney trigger in it but mostly because I got it in a trade, not that I really felt the need for a new trigger. It is a bit heavy, I think mine sits at 8lbs 2oz but that’s ok. I’ve used it for moose, caribou and a bighorn sheep with zero issues. The moose hunt was a 10 day packraft hunt here in AK and the rifle absolutely shrugged off the conditions it was used in. Anyways, great gun.

Tikkas are good too but I completely understand what you are saying, I like the ones I have but they simply don’t have that heirloom appeal to them, at least for me. Can’t argue with the accuracy out of them though.

As for the AWR, my buddy has one and it’s ok, heavy though. If I were getting a Remington, the only one I’d be interested in would be the mountain rifle. And I certainly wouldn’t buy one without inspecting it in person.

I’d take a good look at kimbers as well.

That is my recommendation, though I’d find a USA built model.

I'd look for a Ruger Mark II stainless

I've had the Tanger, I've had multiple Mark II's, I still have the Hawkeye though. I'd look for a Hawkeye.

I have a Win Mod 70 Extreme weather, topped with a Leupold 2-10 VX5, I love it. It is a little heavy at 8.5 lbs scoped but it is a great all around rifle

All the Hawkeyes I've fooled with have been excellent shooters.

Yeah. I just shot my Hawkeye 30-06 today and it was sub moa with Federal Blue Box.

I recently bought a Remington 700 AWR in 30-06 and I am very satisfied with it. I wanted a rifle over 7lbs and this fit the bill. Fit and finish leaves nothing to want for. I did replace the factory trigger with a Timney. I have shot less than a box of ammo through it because I bought it mid season, but from all indications it has and will shoot fine. I also considered Browning and Winchester but I wanted a slightly heavier rifle. If I had to do over again I would buy the same rifle.

My .30-06 Hawkeye is sub MOA with 165 gr. Power Points and 150 gr. Fusions. Didn't do a darn thing to it but work the trigger to a crisp 2.5 lbs. either.

I’ve got two Tikkas in 30-06 in my house one blued one and one Stainless SL and they both are boringly accurate. Mine will shoot most any bullet under an inch with some regularly at 1/2” 155gr-180 gr.

My father got a marksmanship badge from the army in WWII with a springfield 30-06.
When he got out of the army in 1946 , he bought a springfield from Sears.
When I was growing up, that rifle and 180 gr silvertip bullets were in the attic.

l did not get my first 30-06 until 1985.
I have now bought 11 of them.
I have not hunted with 30-06 rifles, But l have rebarreled them and killed big game with 280AI, 6.5-06, or 25-06.

My favorite 30-06 to buy is a pre-64 Winchester M70. If I see one, there is a good chance I will buy it.

Yep, I've seen some really good condition (like new) ones in the $800.00 range. I actually bought one here for that price and then put it in a mcmillan. Great rifles for the money.. Generally very accurate too..

When all the rifle loony dust settles, the 30-06 will still be on top not needing redemption or validation.

I have a Tikka T3x ss and a Sako 75 SS both in 30-06 and could not be more pleased with these rifles.

Just find a nice Mark X in 30/06. spend the difference on a Bell & Carlson and you're all set.

I've had a few 30-06s over the years. First one was a 700 classic. Wasn't bad and killed many a whitetail with it. I currently have a 6 digit 70 classic stainless. I've lent it for a few elk hunts. No one has ever complained about it. I mostly use my JC Higgins 50 lately only modification to it has been a Dayton Traistar trigger.

If I were buying one I'd look hard at a Ruger Hawkeye.

I still have two Rem 700's in my safe, and two Mark X's. I've never had any negative issues with any of them, They all have their place in my hunting line-up.

The last three rifles that I have bought were Weatherby Vanguards. With the last two, I narrowed the choices down to either a Rem 700 or a Vanguard. My final choice was Vanguards.

Tikka super lite SS fluted was my choice.



180 grain at 200 yards

Been dragging this 700 around for some time now......it's starting to grow on me.

M70 Classic Stainless Fwt in an McMillan can get down pretty close to 7lbs.

I have sold off all of my magnums and bought two 30-06s this year.
The first was a Remington Alaskan TI. I bought it as original, but have since purchased a McMillan Edge to put it in. This will be a winter project.
Next up was a Legendary Arms Works. I have a LAW in 6.5 Creedmoor that shoots better than any rifle that I have ever owned. I'm hoping for similar results.
donsm70

Win Mod 70 EW but it's 8lbs scoped. Holds 6 tho!!!!
A7 over the Tikka ! Find the older A7, actually one in classifieds right now. Either will out shoot most customs if you hand load.

150gr TTSX @ 3040 fps don't suck!


https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...t-sako-a7-30-06-leupold-vx5#Post13277551 $700

If you hurry there is a Leupold VX-1 3x9x40 in classifies right now for $150. Send it to the custom shop for a M-1 dial install.....! Stick it on the A7 and you'll be right at 7.5 lbs with a tack driver thats smooth as silk. Be prepared to have your mind blown for less than a grand!

My recommendation with be a Winchester Model 70 EW or a Ruger Hawkeye. My brother in law has a Hawkeye and it shoots very well, with no tweaking necessary. He has never even lightened the trigger and has just gotten used to it. His 100 yard groups are very good. I believe he usually shoots E-Tips.

I have a long love affair with the 30.06 and have about a dozen of them stashed in various safes around the house.

I actually have a like new Win Mod 70 Extreme Weather that I picked up and have never fired. I would entertain letting it go if you decide to go with that platform.

Between the X Bolt speed, the Remmy AWR, and the Win 70 EW, which do you guys see as the better buy? Splitting hairs? Any you would stay away from?

According to many Alaskans the X-bolts freeze up. Who owns Remington now Marlin or Rem? Oh well nobody cares..

70 EW all the way....

Handle them all and find the one you look like the feel of the best. I have an EW in .270 Win, I hated the original B&C stock though it never felt right. Replaced it with a McMillan stock and love the rifle now, but it wasn't the cheapest route.

Tikka.

There’s a reason (or several) that they have such a following.






P

You get a lot of bang for the buck with the m70ew, jewels bolt, recessed crown, decent stock (better than a plastic stock) I actually don’t mind the B&c stock.

Rtween the 3 you mentioned, yeah I’ve heard of xbolts icing up but I’d probably still try one, the AWR I’m sure is an ok rifle but I just can’t warm up to it, everybody who handles my m70 or shoots it loves it and several have ended up buying one. In my opinion, it’s the ultimate all arounder for AK.

Yup and they are fun to upgrade too, I’ve replaced the bottom metal on mine and it made a big difference.

* Remington 700: I've carried them on mountain hunts for years, where the rifles had dates of manufacture from late 80's to 2005. Nary a hiccup. Still, you gotta please you.

* Win 70: I bought a stainless Ultimate Shadow from bwinters here, and it's an absolute tack driving SOB with Nosler factory 165 Accubond ammo. I didn't even bother trying to reload for it. A buddy took it to CO for 3rd rifle season, & took his cow with it. No issues with rain, snow, or being jostled in a scabbard. I know it goes > 8 lbs. with a VX3 4.5-14, but it balance very well.

* Kimber Montana: I took an 8400 on last season's goat hunt, and it was an absolute champ. It probably saved my life, too, since I used it as a walking stick to keep from falling down the damned mountain. I know people talk about "Kimber Roulette," but I've sure been thrilled with my sample of 1.

* Tikka: I share your distaste for them, but that's based solely on how they look, feel, and handle for me. There's far too much positive feedback out there for me to continue to avoid them, though. After all, beauty is as beauty does.

* Not asked, but I'll chime in anyway: after lugging 24" barreled rifles around the mountains for several years, I'm now a fan of 22" barrels.

My $.02 is to shoulder many models, to see what feels most natural to you. As long as it aint a Remginton 710, or some other such widely-acknowledged monstrosity, you'll be more than fine. Then, I'd suggest getting a used one of that model, from a seller who can post targets and loads shot with that rifle. The reason being that while all rifles that come off the production line could be thought of as twins, they're fraternal twins, not identical twins. They may look and handle and weigh an awful lot a like, but that doesn't necessarily mean they'll shoot alike. I'd personally forego being the first person to fire a rifle, if it means I can get one in excellent condition that's a proven shooter.

Yeah - I'm weird like that. Actually, I'm weird in most other ways, too.

FC

Just got a Remington mountain rifle in 30-06. It was moa accurate with cheap federal ammo and I made a good shot on a doe this weekend at around 150 yards off hand( rifle fits me like a glove). I’ll be toting that gun a lot in the future. Just got it, so haven’t explored its accuracy potential with hand loads so I can’t comment on paper punching, but I will say it was a pleasure to shoot on the bench. Surprisingly nice for a light rifle.

I have a Bergera b-14 in 308, you’re right in that I can say absolutely nothing bad about it, it checks all the boxes for sure. It is heavie than the mountain rifle, and the stock is a little chunky but not enough to really complain about. It is sub moa rifle with multiple loads I’ve tried.

I had a tikka 30-06 for about a month, shot like everyone said they do, could not make myself like it. Bought a stainless 260 hunter and hunted mule deer with it, made a good shot on a mulie at about 300 yards. Was light , accurate as I could hope for . Sold it.

I have completely different expectations for a bench rifle to punch paper, and have different set ups for that.

For my next hunt out west the mountain rifle will coming with me.

MM

And according to our own Caribou who lives inside the Arctic Circle the XBolt is a great choice. Choose your expert.

^^^^This^^^^

The difference in performance between a 22" barrel and 24" barrel on a 30-06 is meaningless in the field. The 24" barrel will only be less manageable in heavy cover and won't offer anything in field performance, even on long distance shots, over the 22" barrel.

Never owned an X-Bolt, so I'll remain silent on that one.

My Remington experience is limited to several thousand rounds through the M-24, a 600, a Model 7 Scout rifle, (all in 308) plus one M-700 in 7 RM that I inherited and haven't shot much. All are good choices if you don't need CRF. Read reviews on the Grayboe stock before you buy an AWR, though.

Rugers are nice and not super expensive.

Tikkas are a superb value but I can't abide a detachable magazine on a bolt-action rifle.

I grew up on Model 70's so that's my choice. I don't like fluted barrels. MOA triggers, or HS Precision stocks, but plenty of other smart folks like the EW and it is the best way to get a stainless M-70 these days.


Okie John

I have owned 3 Hawkeyes and 2 700s. No complaints with either. Rugers weighed more with the laminate stock. Handle them and let that guide you.

Lotta good choices out there.... don't no how you can go wrong in a 30-06. Considering elk country, lighter might be the way to go. I guess if I draw another elk tag and decided to use 1 of my 30-06's it will be 1 of my 03's or A3's that will get used with 180 NPT's. More new guns out on the market all the time and I keep going retro, must be a sign a getting old or not giving a f**k about the g*dam* Jones. MB

Love the 30 gov't.

Of your choices listed, I can't throw rocks at any of them. They all work.

However, if you can locate one to handle, find yourself an FN rifle, like a JC Higgins 50. The quality, ergonomics, and balance are superb IMO.

The 30-06 is boring. Boringly accurate and, boringly effective. I can't see where your son would be making a mistake with a good bolt action 30-06.

I have taken a pickup truck of deer with the '06, almost invariably with a 150 grain Hornady over 52 grs. of IMR 4064. Three 3 moose have succumbed handily to the '06.The first to a 168 Barnes TSX and the last two with 180 Nosler Partitions. I spent a summer, prior to my first Newfoundland moose hunt shooting an '06, a 7 mm Rem. Mag and a .375. I know, the 7MM Rem shoot a bit flatter and the 375 hits harder, but at the distances I would ever have to shoot, from a practical matter, there wasn't a dime's worth of difference. Lesson learned....the 06 was easier to shoot from field positions.

Three shots and three moose from 150 to 250 yards. The first rifle was a Rem. 700 with the Barnes 168 grain , the second was with a Tikka T3 and the last was with a Ruger No1S. The latter two both with heavy doses of H4350 and 180 Noslers. All three of those rifles would shoot 5 shots into 1 inch groups. I am sure that other cartridges would have done petty the same.

I type this looking at three gun cabinets holding at least 50 guns. Cartridges run from .22 LR through .222's and .223's through a few 6mms's, some 7mm's, a bunch of 30's, a 375's, a couple 45-70's and a .458. The .35's and the 348's are long gone.

There isn't anything about the '06 that members here don't know. Whelen got it right when he wrote, " The 30-06 is never a mistake." After more than 50 years hand loading and knocking stuff off, I think Whelan got it right.

O, I need to add, that maybe,although I am battling the actuarial tables here, a 6.5 of some sort is probably is in the not too distant future.

To the original post, 30-06 for sure in whatever bolt action rifle your son likes.

I like a Sako L-61, weight is about right for me!

Don't mean to side-jack the thread, but could someone please tell me what exactly "freezes up" or " ice's-up" on Browning X=Bolts in Alaska?

Personally I would not even concider anything new nowadays...one of my favorite rifles is a custom husky HVA in 30-06.. They can be had fro less than 500. ..For 1200 dollars you can have a really nice L61r Sako...it pre 64 mod 70...

Trigger assembly

The browning has a pot metal trigger group housing that can break pretty easy..I had to replace one for a guy one time...

The OP live's in Colorado, I imagine it can get pretty damn cold in Colorado. Just to many negative reports from AK on the X-bolt for it to even rate a thunk. Unless your a road hunter.

This, I’ve seen 2 broken ones during the December moose season.

You guys are confusing X-Bolts with A-Bolts. The X-Bolt is a better rifle. The A-Bolts have had a lot of horror stories.